Hong Kong Customs detects three smuggling cases involving ocean-going vessels

2024-06-28 18:30 Last Updated At：18:38

Hong kong customs seizes $100 million worth of smuggled goods in big wave operation, arrests suspect connected to smuggling cases - investigations ongoing

Hong Kong Customs mounted a special operation codenamed "Big Wave" in June and detected three suspected smuggling cases involving ocean-going vessels. A large batch of suspected smuggled goods with a total estimated market value of about $100 million was seized.

Through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, Customs suspected that criminals were using ocean-going vessels to smuggle goods. Strategies were thus formulated and three suspicious containers scheduled to depart from Hong Kong to Malaysia through ocean-going vessels were selected for inspection.

Upon examinations, Customs officers found a large batch of suspected smuggled electronic goods, including printed circuit boards, smart phones, computer tablets and car parts, in the three containers declared as carrying aluminium flakes, aluminium alloys and communication accessories respectively.

After follow-up investigations, Customs officers arrested a 60-year-old man suspected to be connected with one of the above-mentioned cases. Investigations are ongoing. The arrested man has been released on bail pending further investigation and the likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.

Being a government department primarily responsible for tackling smuggling activities, Customs has long been combating various smuggling activities at the forefront. Customs will keep up its enforcement action and continue to fiercely combat sea smuggling activities through proactive risk management and intelligence-based enforcement strategies, with targeted anti-smuggling operations carried out at suitable times to disrupt these activities.

Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

CHP announces investigation progress of case of dengue fever

2024-06-30 19:50 Last Updated At：19:58

Investigation into dengue fever in tin shui wai continues: public urged to take precautionary measures and stay informed

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 30) continued its investigation into a case of dengue fever (DF)announcedon June 28. The CHP urged again the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel. Meanwhile, persons who have been to Tin Shui (1) Estate in Tin Shui Wai with DF symptomsshould contact the CHP as soon as possible.

According to the latest findings of epidemiological investigations, no linked case has been identified by the CHP so far. The CHP has inspected the residence of the patient on June 28. Blood samples of the patient's two household contacts tested negative for dengue virus upon laboratory testing. As at 3pm today, the CHP has contacted over 3 000 residents from over 1 200 households of Tin Shui (1) Estate in Tin Shui Wai. No suspected case is identified.

Officers of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and the Housing Department inspected the vicinity of Tin Shui (1) Estate in Tin Shui Wai and enhanced the anti-mosquito work yesterday (June 29) morning. They also suggested the cleansing service contractor to strengthen mosquito control measures.

The CHP held a health talk jointly with the FEHD yesterday evening in the Tin Shui Community Centre, during which the CHP also conducted free DF antibody tests for people in the district with relevant symptoms.

Meanwhile, the CHP appeals to persons who have been to Tin Shui (1) Estate in Tin Shui Wai with DF symptoms to call the CHP's hotline (2125 2374) which is operatingfrom 9am to 1pm tomorrow(July 1) and will continue to operatefrom 9am to 5pmfrom July 2, Monday to Friday(excluding public holidays) for laboratory investigation or referral as appropriate. DF is clinically characterised by high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph nodes and rash.

The CHP's investigations are ongoing.

The public should take heed of the following advice on mosquito control:

Thoroughly check all gully traps, roof gutters, surface channels and drains to prevent blockage;

Scrub and clean drains and surface channels with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any deposited mosquito eggs;

Properly dispose of refuse, such as soft drink cans, empty bottles and boxes, in covered litter containers;

Completely change the water of flowers and plants at least once a week. The use of saucers should be avoided if possible;

Level irregular ground surfaces before the rainy season;

Avoid staying in shrubby areas; and

Take personal protective measures such as wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothes and trousers and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing and uncovered areas of the body when doing outdoor activities.

DEET-containing insect repellents are effective and the public should take heed of the tips below:

Read the label instructions carefully first;

Apply right before entering an area with risk of mosquito bites;

Apply on exposed skin and clothing;

Use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children*;

Apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent; and

Re-apply only when needed and follow the instructions.

* For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent.

The public should call1823in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the DF pages of theCHPand theTravel Health Service, the latestTravel Health News,tips for using insect repellents, and the CHPFacebook PageandYouTube Channel.